5 reliable ways to track your child’s location

As parents, we feel a lot better when we know where our kids are. Whether they’re walking home from school, heading to their first job, or just starting to explore a little independence, location tracking gives parents a sense of security.  And with today’s tech, it’s easier than ever to stay connected.

From GPS-enabled watches to safety-focused apps and debit cards that go way beyond money management, here are five ways to keep tabs, without being over the top.

1. Use a location-sharing app

If your child already has a smartphone, location-sharing apps are the most seamless option. Several tools on the market let families share real-time location, set alerts for arrival and departure, and even track battery levels or driving habits. Offering a quick snapshot of where everyone is, they can be a lifesaver when plans shift or someone forgets to check in.

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

One app that goes beyond location sharing is Greenlight. While it’s primarily known as a debit card and money app for kids, Greenlight’s Infinity and Family Shield plans include location sharing, crash detection, driving reports, and even SOS features*, all wrapped into the same platform where families manage allowance and chores, savings goals, and more. For parents who want visibility without juggling multiple apps, it’s a great all-in-one option.

Keep in mind that any app-based tracking system only works if the phone is charged, location permissions are on, and your kids don’t turn them off, which teens absolutely know how to do.

2. Try a GPS-enabled smartwatch

If your child isn’t quite ready for a phone, a smartwatch can be a great in-between option. Smartwatches made for kids (like the Bark smartwatch or TickTalk) usually include built-in GPS tracking, along with calling and messaging features. Some even let you set up geofences or “safe zones,” so you’ll get a ping if your child steps outside a designated area.

Most of these watches don’t allow full internet access, which is a huge plus if you’re trying to delay the full smartphone plunge. And because they’re worn on the wrist, kids are less likely to lose them (unlike a phone that might end up at the bottom of a backpack, or a locker, or … who knows where).

Monthly service plans are typically required, so it’s worth weighing the cost against how much tracking you realistically need.

3. Get a screen-free tracker or safety wearable

If it’s too soon for a phone or smartwatch, there are still ways to stay connected. Devices like Apple AirTags are tiny, affordable, and easy to slip into a backpack or jacket pocket. They work best in crowded areas where nearby phones can pick up their signal, and can be great for tracking items, but are less reliable for tracking kids in real-time.

For more active tracking,several tools on the market give you real-time GPS, SOS buttons, and in some cases, two-way audio. Some clip onto a waistband or belt loop, while others are worn like a lanyard. These safety-first wearables don’t include games or web browsers, just location and communication. They’re especially helpful for younger kids or anyone who needs a way to check in without adding a full screen into the mix.

4. Log into school-based tools when they’re available

Some schools offer tracking features that help parents stay informed. For example, bus apps like Here Comes the Bus show when your child hops on or off, which is helpful if mornings are hectic or you’re not sure they caught the bus on time. Other schools use check-in systems or digital passes that track when students enter or leave the building.

These tools aren’t perfect, not every district offers them, and you probably won’t get minute-by-minute updates. But they’re built into your child’s day and don’t require any extra devices or apps. If your school or district offers something like this, it’s worth using. It may not replace a GPS tracker, but it can still give you a little peace of mind during the hours they’re on campus or commuting.

5. Put your car’s tracking tools to work

If your teen is driving (or even riding with a sibling who is), your car might already have some tracking features built in. Many vehicles today include GPS-based systems that let you see where the car is, track trip history, or even set alerts if the vehicle leaves a particular area or exceeds a certain speed.

This is especially useful for families with new drivers or kids who carpool regularly. It won’t tell you where your child is every minute, but it can offer peace of mind when they’re on the road or when you just want to make sure they actually went to work like they said they did. If your car doesn’t have these features, Greenlight’s Infinity and Family Shield plans include crash detection, driving reports, and location sharing* to help keep your teen safe on the road.

It’s not a replacement for a wearable or app, but it’s a nice add-on if your car already supports it.

There are many options for tracking your child’s locations, including apps, watches, wearables, and even your car. The trick is to find the one that fits your family’s needs the best. But no matter what tool you choose, none of it works without trust. 

Make sure you let your kids know that you’re not tracking them to micromanage their every move. You just want to see that they’re okay. That honesty can go a long way in building a relationship based on trust, especially as kids start building more independence.

Protect your family on the go. Stay connected with Greenlight - the family safety app with location sharing, SOS alerts, and driving reports. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.† 

*Requires mobile data or a WiFi connection, and access to sensory and motion data from cell phone to utilize safety features including family location sharing and driving alerts and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.